House Passes $513 Million in Funding for Sea Grant | Congressman Lee Zeldin

House Passes $513 Million in Funding for Sea Grant

November 16, 2020
Press Release

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) delivered remarks on the House Floor ahead of House passage of the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2020 (S. 910), which authorizes $513 million over 5 years for the National Sea Grant College Program.

The National Sea Grant College Program works with local shellfish farmers, fishermen, watermen, and other businesses in the coastal economy to grow and sustain their business models, connecting them to local resources to share best practices, and helping them navigate a complex patchwork of state and federal coastal zone management regulations through technical assistance.

Congressman Zeldin’s remarks on the House Floor were as follows: 

“I rise today in support of S. 910, the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2020, which would authorize roughly $513 million over 5 years for NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program. 

“Representing a district almost completely surrounded by water, in New York’s First Congressional District, Sea Grant has worked to support our local fishermen and oyster growers, protect our beaches, and support marine science research that is essential for our local economy and environment.

“Leading some of the largest bipartisan coalitions of lawmakers to ever support Sea Grant, with my Democrat colleague, Congressman Joe Courtney of Connecticut, we have helped secure critical funding over the years for Sea Grant through the appropriations process. 

“With imported seafood making up the vast majority of American seafood consumption, this critical program will help strengthen local seafood businesses on Long Island and across the country.

“I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.”